I think there should be some kind of new rule at the Brits that Lifetime Achievement winners always finale their sets with a song that primarily consists of "na, na, na, na", it means even the most corporate junket of the guests can join in for a rousing sing song at the end. It would also have the happy side effect of making every artist to ensure they have at least one "na, na, na, na" song in their oeuvre, which wouldn't be a bad thing.
Consummate professional Paul McCartney has the classic "na, na, na, na" song of course, and brought last night's Brits bash to a rousing close with crowd pleaser 'Hey Jude'. The lifetime achievement finale was the highlight of the show for me - and as it reached its peak you couldn't help thinking that, given the unmentioned divorce proceedings that preceded the awards show, everyone in the enthusiastic Brits audience were thinking "go for it Macca, fuck the whiny bitch". Or perhaps that was just me.
Other than Macca, ownership of the night, in the sense of "the night belonged to", could probably be split between Take That, who rounded off their sensational comeback with two prizes, including one for Best Live Act; the Arctic Monkeys, who proved they are still kinds of all things indie by taking the Best Group and Best Album prizes; and Amy Winehouse who didn't win anything but managed to stand out simply by showing up.
For those that like there awards coverage in the form of a list, here's the winners...
British Live Act: Take That
Critics' Choice Award: Adele.
British Breakthrough Act: Mika
International Male Solo Artist: Kanye West
British Male Solo Artist: Mark Ronson
International Female Solo Artist: Kylie Minogue
International Group: Foo Fighters
British Female Solo Artist: Kate Nash
International Album: Foo Fighters - Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace
British Group: Arctic Monkeys
British Single: Take That - Shine
British Album: Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare
Outstanding Contribution To Music: Paul McCartney
Make of all that what you will. Quote of the night comes from British born, New York raised, LA based Mark Ronson, who said after winning Best Male: "I've never felt so British or male in my entire life".
PS: Beth Ditto's collab with Mika was rather good also - how can 'Standing In The Way Of Control', one of the most overexposed indie hits of 2007, still sound so flippen marvellous?